Visit Clarkdale’s Incredible Arizona Copper Art Museum
The Arizona Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale is more than just a museum. It’s a tribute to the rich history and legacy of copper mining in Clarkdale and up the hill in Jerome.
The museum was established in 2002 and has since become a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about the region’s industrial past, especially copper mining and production. It exhibits over 5,000 beautiful copper works spanning from 3,500 BC to the present, and is housed in the old Clarkdale High School.
Let’s explore the Arizona Copper Art Museum.
Table of contents
What is the Arizona Copper Art Museum?
The Arizona Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale was established in 2002 with its grand opening being a part of the official Arizona Centennial Legacy Project. Clarkdale, founded in 1912, was the first master plan company town in the state of Arizona. It was founded by the United Verde Copper Company to provide housing and services for the copper smelter employees and their families.
The mines up the mountain in Jerome produced nearly 3 billion pounds of copper. Once extracted, the copper was exported to locations around the world with practically none kept and crafted in the area. This museum unveils how copper was fashioned into artwork while traveling around the world. Incredible copper artwork is on display now at the museum. Arizona is known as the Copper State.
Museum History/Background
In 1958, John and Patricia Meinke of Minnesota discovered some copper molds at an antique shop that intrigued them. Later, they opened a small antique shop themselves and began collecting many of the artwork items shown today in the museum. Although the shop closed in 1970, they continued to sell copperware through 2003 at antique shows throughout the USA, with many of the items coming from Europe. Their son, Drake, joined the business and started his copper art collection.
In 2000, the Meinke’s began having visions of placing their extensive collection into a museum for the public to enjoy. The proper location for the museum is critical to create a nostalgic impact to ensure a significant copper museum would be successful. The town of Clarkdale, Arizona selection was based on an extensive multi-state/city search. In 2002, the Meinke’s established the museum. Copper art is on display in separate rooms in collections that tell the story of copper.
Collections
Historical Information Collection
The Historical information collection reveals copper history, locations, affinities, and mysteries.
Copper is a highly conductive metal that’s pliable, and easy to wrap or solder. It’s more-effective conductivity makes copper wire a better choice than aluminum wiring. Copper has been used in electrical systems for years, both in residential and commercial settings. The average single-family home contains about 195 pounds of copper wire while the average multifamily unit contains about 125 pounds.
Military Art Collection
There’s the military art collection and the main function of this collection was to reveal individual creativity by military men upon extended, expended brass artillery shell casings and other materials. This is “trench art”.
Art and Architecture Collection
The main function of this collection is to reveal human expression and the application of creative skill and imagination through the use of copper and its alloys. Copper and its alloy, bronze, have been in use since the ancient Egyptians.
Kitchenware Collection
The kitchenware collection consists of cookware used in open fires, fireplaces, wood or coal stoves, and gas or electric ranges.
Drinkware Collection
The drinkware collection showcases vessels to store and serve beer, wine, water, and other liquids.
Distillery and Wine Collection
And finally, this is the distillery and wine collection. So the main function of the distillery and winery room is to exhibit stills and the tools that are used for harvesting and the making of wine, beer, Cognac, and other spirits.
What to Expect at the Museum?
Visitors walk through the old Clarkdale High School building and enjoy looking at all the beautiful artwork built with copper. There’s little steps on the ground to kind of lead you around. The normal hours of operation are every day from 10 a.m. To 4 30 p. m. Check their website for holiday openings. Tickets to get in are reasonably priced with everything below 10.
Historic Recognition
The Arizona Copper Art Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Where is the Museum Located?
Coming in from Cottonwood, take Arizona 260 West, continue on North Main Street to South Broadway, then you’ll hit Main Street in Clarkdale. An alternative route is Highway 89A. The building really can’t be missed. It’s on the corner of Main Street and South 9th Street in Clarkdale.
Key Takeaways
- The Arizona Copper Art Museum, established in 2002, showcases over 5,000 copper works and highlights the region’s copper mining history.
- Housed in the old Clarkdale High School, the museum features various collections, including historical information, military art, and kitchenware.
- Visitors can explore beautiful copper artwork and learn about Arizona’s copper industry, with entry tickets priced affordably.
- The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places, emphasizing its cultural significance.
- Located in Clarkdale, it serves as a vital link to Arizona’s mining heritage and is a must-visit attraction.
Conclusion
The Arizona Copper Art Museum serves as a vital link to Arizona’s copper mining heritage. By preserving and showcasing the history and significance of this industry, we ensure that future generations understand and appreciate its impact on our society. This extensive collection of copper artworks is truly impressive and very unique.
I was skeptical but this truly is a great place and one of the popular attractions in Clarkdale; well worth the time to explore the museum.
Look, if you like this content, you want to check out all our other posts and videos covering Sedona/Cottonwood and its surrounding attractions,including the Clarkdale Verde Canyon Train, Tuzigoot National Monument, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Check out the Sliding Jail, as well as the State Historic Park at the Douglas Mansion up in Jerome. In addition, you will really like our other posts and videos in this area and throughout Arizona, along with our other videos on our Travel with D & E channel.
